Machalek all about small town life

Travis Machalek was working as a graduate management assistant for the City of Fort Collins when he learned about a job opportunity in Estes Park.

Machalek had recently completed his master's degree in public administration and hoped to stay in the region after his job concluded in Fort Collins. In April of this year, he joined the Town of Estes Park serving as assistant town administrator.

"I've always loved the mountains. So when this job came up it was the perfect opportunity," Machalek said. "Being able to drive 10 minutes to a hike in the Rocky Mountains is surreal. You're in a place that people travel from all over the country and world to visit."

Machalek's career in local government was the result of a desire to closely serve the community. In addition to the City of Fort Collins, Machalek has also worked for the City of Laramie, Wyoming. and Douglas County, Kansas.

"More than any other level of government, you have an immediate impact on people's lives," Machalek said. "I feel that I can help more people in local government than I could in other capacities."

Machalek enjoys all that Estes Park has to offer, and recently purchased his first home. He and girlfriend Ashley Yardley have taken full advantage of their new surroundings. The pair hike frequently and enjoy spending time with family members who visit Estes Park.

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"We've got a neat small town vibe but with urban amenities. We have a hospital and a grocery store. It's quiet. It's just really nice," Machalek said.

In addition to settling into a new home and job, Machalek began volunteering as a youth basketball coach this fall. After learning about the opportunity from a friend, Machalek connected with the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District and was assigned to coach fourth and fifth graders.

"You don't really think about the formative years of playing a sport. You end up teaching the kids a lot of little things to develop their skills. It's tons of fun," Machalek said.

Despite a busy job, volunteerism and exploring a new community, Machalek continues to find balance.

"For me, work and life are inextricably intertwined. In my free time, I spend a lot of time thinking about work and talking about work," Machalek said. "At this stage in my life, they meld well together."

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